Comments on: More Expansion Draft Stuff: The Midfielders

By: jenl

jenl — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:16:36 +0000

Stopping in to say that Tudela and Vagenas are holding midfielders and that’s a tough call. But because of salary cap I would probably keep Tudela and let Vagenas go.

By: Diane

Diane — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 14:53:06 +0000

Just read bluemeanies’ reply to a previous question and it covers this. Thanks again!

By: Diane

Diane — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 17:12:16 +0000

Question. I’ve been studying this whole MLS player acquisition concept and I may be thick but I’m missing one thing: what happens with guys who aren’t coming out of HS, college, another professional team (native or international)? Say some brilliant player who’s been in prison or working for a small architectural firm instead of pursuing a pro sports career. They would fall into the free-agent category in other sports. Would they be Discovery signings here, and how would that work?

Laurie, I have lots of questions about how the money is handled — mostly about whether the salary cap is a facade — in case you want to do a post where those would be relevant. Pretty please do. No rush.

By: Diane

Diane — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 02:30:14 +0000

Nathanhj, Klein’s 32 now, but he looks really smart on the pitch and he has the composure that comes with age. If he’s fit, I don’t think you can have enough of either. Plus, if he’s put back on defense, that’s usually a longer career anyway. Maybe other DP’s have to be protected, but Beckham’s contract protects him from leaving Los Angeles. So, unless you really think Chivas will go after him, that’s another spot on the list available.

By: Nathanhj

Nathanhj — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 23:04:41 +0000

Laurie:

If you could have Randolph playing on left wing in front of Jazic and Martino in his natural right wing spot with Beckham in the middle and Donovan playing withdrawn striker behind someone who can score (say a Gavin Glinton with more talent), then all of a sudden the Galaxy midfield doesn’t suck. Not a top-notch midfield, but one that maybe can get in some good crosses and have some actual wide play. Anything to have the personnel to ditch that punt-and-scramble crap we played all season. Some build-up from the back would be a welcome change and indicate a midfield that can actually possess the ball a la DC United from the mid-90’s…

By: Laurie

Laurie — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:09:32 +0000

In theory Mike Randolph is an authentic left winger. It’s just that he got his wings at leftback because of Jazic’s injury and that’s where he stayed.

By: Laurie

Laurie — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:08:48 +0000

Also, I hear you on Klein. I also think he’s in no danger of being picked up, both because of his salary and because I don’t think Frank would touch any of the midseason acquisitions with a ten-foot pole. But it would still feel wrong for me to not protect him.

By: Laurie

Laurie — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:07:20 +0000

Nathan,

Giggle.

By: Nathanhj

Nathanhj — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 21:08:31 +0000

Laurie:

CoJones and Vagenas, starring in “Goldenballs”.

By: Nathanhj

Nathanhj — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 21:07:12 +0000

I can see why you would protect Klein based on his performance, but based on his very high salary and his advancing age (for the record he is younger than I am so i don’t know what that says about me), you could leave him unprotected and chance that the Quakes don’t take him. And if they do… well, I’m not sure he has another 2007 in him.

In place of Klein, I’d protect Harmse who has more attacking flair than Kelly Grey and is the kind of bruiser who gets away with a lot because of the crap refereeing in MLS.

I’m also not so sure about Martino, even though he played out of position and was additionally playing injured over the last half of the season. I’m not sure he’s worth protecting when what the Gals really need is an authentic left wing. But since there isn’t one on the bench, I could be persuaded.

I’m also pretty sure that DP’s have to be protected, though maybe that’s just rumor at this point. No way the Quakes could afford Beckham, though. But wouldn’t it be just like them to pick him up and trade him back just like TFC did with Kreis last year? Whatever the DP rule, you gotta protect Beckham in order not to have your lunch eaten.